Dreams Realised: Welch Sisters Overcome Challenges to Become Educators

November 20 2025

22-year-old twin sisters Elester and Eester Welch have proven that determination, teamwork, and a shared childhood dream can lead to extraordinary achievements.

The young women, who hail from the quiet village of Ithaca on the West Bank of Berbice, recently graduated from the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), both earning an Associate Degree in Education – Physical Education, passing with credit.

Their story is one of resilience and inspiration.

The twins began their educational journey at No. 8 Secondary School, where they completed their studies in 2020.

Three years later, in pursuit of their long-held dream of becoming teachers, they applied to CPCE and were accepted as trainees in September 2023.

By the following year, their paths as educators became even clearer: Eester was placed at Fort Wellington Secondary, while Elester returned to her alma mater to serve as a teacher.

When BIG SMITH News Watch asked what motivated them to pursue teaching, the sisters—known for their identical appearance and equally identical responses—shared a heartfelt childhood memory that sparked their passion.

“As little kids, we always said we wanted to teach. When teachers asked what we would like to become, we always said we would like to become a teacher. We would watch how the teachers were teaching us and learn as well,” Elester recalled.

But their journey was not without challenges.

The final semester, in particular, tested their strength and resolve. Yet, as they have done all their lives, the twins leaned on each other.

Eester shared that there were moments when the pressure felt overwhelming, and she considered giving up. But through the unwavering encouragement from her sister—and their mother—she pushed through.

“When I felt like dropping out of CPCE, Elester would encourage me, and also my mother. But I feel great that I have completed the journey beside my sister,” Eester said proudly.

Now officially trained teachers, Elester and Eester are filled with optimism about the future. They believe their passion for physical education will positively shape the lives of their students, helping them appreciate the importance of health, movement, and discipline.

Their academic journey is far from over. With ambitions to further specialise in the field, the twins have applied through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) and hope to soon major in either Biomechanics or Sports Management.